Quality Preschool. Completely Free.
Preschool Promise is a state-funded Oregon program that provides free, high-quality preschool to eligible families — and the YMCA of Klamath Falls is proud to be a participating provider right here in our community. The program serves children ages 3 and 4 whose families have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, as well as children in foster care and other historically underserved populations. Enrollment for Klamath County is coordinated through the South Central Early Learning Hub, which reviews applications, verifies eligibility, and places children with local providers like the Y. If your family qualifies, your child can attend our preschool program at the Youth Development Center at no cost to you. We believe every child in Klamath Falls deserves a strong start — and Preschool Promise helps make that possible.
Who Qualifies?
Preschool Promise has specific eligibility requirements set by the State of Oregon. Your child may qualify if they meet the criteria below. Not sure if you qualify? Contact the South Central Early Learning Hub or reach out to our team and we’ll help you find out.
How to Apply
Enrollment for Preschool Promise in Klamath County is managed by the South Central Early Learning Hub. Here’s how the process works — from application to your child’s first day at the Y.
Submit Your Application
Complete the Preschool Promise interest form through the South Central Early Learning Hub at scelh.com. Applying does not automatically guarantee a spot — all applicants are entered into a lottery.
Verify Your Eligibility
Hub staff will review your application and contact you to confirm eligibility. Have income documentation and proof of Oregon residency ready to submit.
Receive Your Placement
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll be notified of your placement. Processing can take 10–30 days after all required documents are submitted.
Enroll at the Y
Once placed at the YMCA of Klamath Falls, our team will walk you through enrollment. Your child’s free preschool experience at our Youth Development Center begins here!
What's Included in Preschool Promise
Preschool Promise is a full-service, high-quality program — not just a subsidy. Here’s what participating families can expect at the YMCA of Klamath Falls.
Free Tuition
Eligible families pay nothing for tuition. The full cost of preschool is covered by the state through the Preschool Promise grant.
Meals Included
USDA-approved breakfast, lunch, and snack are served daily as part of our preschool program at the Youth Development Center.
Set Schedule
The program runs a minimum of six hours per day, four days per week, and at least 900 hours per year — matching kindergarten requirements.
Qualified Teachers
All Preschool Promise classrooms at the Y are led by qualified early childhood educators following Oregon’s Early Learning and Kindergarten Guidelines.
Developmental Support
The program includes developmental screenings, formative assessments, and referrals to community resources for families who need additional support.
Bilingual Access
All application materials and program communications are available in both English and Spanish. Para asistencia en español, llame al (541) 887-2512.
About the South Central Early Learning Hub
The South Central Early Learning Hub (SCELH) is the organization responsible for coordinating Preschool Promise enrollment across Douglas, Klamath, and Lake Counties. They work directly with families to review applications, verify eligibility, and place children with quality providers — including the YMCA of Klamath Falls. All Preschool Promise applications for our program go through the Hub, not through the Y directly. If you have questions about the application process, eligibility, or documentation requirements, the Hub team is your first point of contact. You can reach them at scelh.com or contact our team and we’ll help connect you.
Questions? We're Here to Help.
Navigating state programs can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team at the Youth Development Center is happy to answer questions, help you understand the process, and connect you with the right people at the South Central Early Learning Hub. For questions about Preschool Promise at the Y, contact our Child Care Director, Jessica Williams, at 541.887.2512 or gro.acmysllafk@smailliw.acissej. For questions about the application itself or eligibility, contact the Hub directly at scelh.com. Language assistance in Spanish is available — para asistencia en español, llame al (541) 887-2512.
Preschool Promise FAQs
Yes — Preschool Promise is 100% free for eligible families. There is no tuition cost. The program is funded by the State of Oregon through the Department of Early Learning and Care.
Your child must be 3 or 4 years old by September 1st of the school year they are applying for. Both ages are eligible as long as other criteria are met.
Your household gross income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for your family size. Contact the South Central Early Learning Hub for the current income chart or to discuss your situation.
No — Preschool Promise is a non-expulsion, non-suspension program and children cannot be excluded for not being potty trained. Our team is experienced in supporting children at all stages of development.
Preschool Promise uses a randomized lottery system — not first-come, first-served — to fill seats. This ensures equitable access for all eligible families. Lotteries are typically run in summer for the upcoming fall school year, but slots can open throughout the year.
You will be placed on a waitlist and notified if a spot becomes available during the school year. We encourage all interested families to apply even if spots are not immediately available.
Preschool Promise classrooms follow the same high-quality curriculum and care standards as our regular preschool — the difference is that eligible families pay nothing. Both programs are held at our Youth Development Center at 1017 Donald Street.
